When the ancient Polynesians invented surfing, they often used a paddle to help them navigate. Fast-forward a few millennia, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding, or SUP, finds itself trendy again. Part of its increasing popularity is that standing upright allows surfers to spot waves more easily and thus catch more of them, multiplying the fun factor. Paddling back to the wave becomes less of a strain as well. The ability to cruise along on flat inland water, surveying the sights, is another advantage. Finally, its a good core workout. If youre sold on the idea, schedule an intro SUP lesson, free with board and paddle rental, and you may find yourself riding the waves like a Polynesian king.More

Many of us remember coming home from our elementary schools with freshly glazed pinchpots, cups, or whatever else our young imaginations could conjure up. Saturday mornings at the Randall Museum can bring that memory back, or create a new one for the youngsters. Ceramics make great gifts — especially on Mothers' and Fathers' Day. Hop on board for the Randall's once-weekly class, and for $6 and two weeks to have your work fired and glazed, you'll have all the materials you need.More

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The Aliens: Two young men in a New England town meditating on music, philosophy, drugs, and Bukowski find a disciple behind a coffeehouse. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Through May 5. $20-$70. SF Playhouse, 533 Sutter (at Powell), 677-9596.

Blues for an Alabama Sky: A love story set during the Harlem Renaissance in which religion, lies, and sexual orientations collide. Wednesdays-Sundays. Through May 12. $10-$53. Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, 450 Post (at Powell), 474-8800.

ForePlays' This American Lie: Sketch comedy written, performed, and produced by the women of PianoFight as well as music and stand-up comedy. Fridays. Through May 4. $15-$25. Stage Werx 446, 446 Valencia (at 16th St.).

FWD: Life Gone Viral: A performance by Charlie Varon and Jeri Lynn Cohen. Previews run through May 10; show opens May 12 and continues through June 10. Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays. $20-$50. The Marsh Theater, 1062 Valencia (at 22nd St.), 826-5750.

Hot Greeks: An ancient Greek tragedy meets a modern-day football comedy meets theater of the absurd in this remake of a play by San Francisco's Cockettes. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m. Through May 19. $30-$69. The Hypnodrome, 575 10th St. (at Bryant), (800) 838-3006.

How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Book the Job!: Acting seminar led by Tom Todoroff. Thu., May 3, 7 p.m. Free. Playwrights' Center of San Francisco, 588 Sutter St. #430, 820-3206.

Tenderloin: A piece about the people and places in Cutting Ball Theater's neighborhood. Thursdays-Sundays. Through May 27. $10-$50. The Cutting Ball Theater, 277 Taylor (at Ellis), 492-4700.

Thunderdome: The Monthly Improv Cage-Match: Monthly show contains three improv troupes; the first two compete to see which will be the next headliner. First Wednesday of every month. Through Dec. 5. free. Stage Werx 446, 446 Valencia (at 16th St.).

Slideshows

Sub Pop recording artists 'clipping.' brought their brand of noise-driven experimental hip hop to the closing night of 2016's San Francisco Electronic Music Fest this past Sunday. The packed Brava Theater hosted an initially seated crowd that ended the night jumping and dancing against the front of the stage. The trio performed a set focused on their recently released Sci-Fi Horror concept album, 'Splendor & Misery', then delved into their dancier and more aggressive back catalogue, and recent single 'Wriggle'.
Opening performances included local experimental electronic duo 'Tujurikkuja' and computer music artist 'Madalyn Merkey.'"